CONTACT DEVICE AND CONTACT SYSTEM

Abstract

 The invention relates to a contact device and a contact system, wherein the contact device has a first contact housing, an actuating unit and a contact element, wherein the contact element can be electrically connected to an earthing line, wherein the first contact housing has a first contact receptacle and is connected to the actuating unit, wherein the contact element is arranged in the first contact receptacle, wherein the contact element has at least one contact spring, wherein the actuating unit can be swivelled between a first position and a second position which is different from the first position, wherein, in the first position, the contact spring is arranged in the first contact receptacle, wherein, in the second position, the actuating unit adjoins the contact spring, wherein the contact spring is swivelled at least partially out of the first contact receptacle, wherein the contact spring is formed to contact a shielding contact of the further contact device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a contact device according to Claim 1 and to a contact system according to Claim 13.

[0002] A contact device with an earthing connection is known from WO 2008/083167 A1.

[0003] It is a problem of the invention to provide an improved contact device and an improved contact system.

[0004] This problem is solved by means of a contact device according to Claim 1 and a contact system according to Claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] It has been identified that an improved contact device for fastening to a further contact device of a contact system can be provided, whereby the contact device comprises a first contact housing, an actuating unit and a contact element, wherein the contact element can be electrically connected to an earthing line. The first contact housing has a first contact receptacle and is connected to the actuating unit. The contact element is arranged in the first contact receptacle. The contact element has a contact spring, it being possible for the actuating unit to be swivelled between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the contact spring is arranged in the first contact receptacle. In the second position, the actuating unit adjoins the contact spring. Furthermore, in the second position, the contact spring is swivelled at least partially out of the first contact receptacle.

[0006] This configuration has the advantage that the contact spring is swivelled in, in the first position of the actuating unit, protected against damage. The contact spring is formed to contact a shielding contact of the further contact device in the second position.

[0007] In a further embodiment, the first contact housing has a bearing surface on a lower side. The first contact housing has a first aperture, the first aperture connecting the first contact receptacle to the bearing surface. In the second position, the contact spring engages through the first aperture.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the first contact housing has a second aperture, the second aperture being arranged in an inclined manner in relation to the first contact receptacle of the first contact housing. On one side, the second aperture opens out at an upper side of the first contact housing and, on another side, it opens out at the first contact receptacle. In the second position, the actuating unit closes the second aperture. As a result, penetration of foreign bodies into the contact element is prevented.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the actuating unit has an actuating section. The actuating section, in the second position, passes through the second aperture and, with an actuating surface arranged at a free end of the actuating section, presses the contact spring through the first aperture.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the actuating unit has an actuating bracket, the actuating bracket being connected, at one end, to the first contact housing in an articulated manner around a swivel axis. The actuating bracket can be swivelled between the first position and the second position around the swivel axis. In the first position, the actuating bracket is arranged at a distance from the first contact housing. In the second position, the actuating bracket is folded onto the first contact housing. As a result, the first contact device is formed in a particularly compact manner in the second position of the actuating unit.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the actuating unit has at least one first holding element. The first holding element is arranged laterally at a first side on the actuating bracket and is connected to the actuating bracket. The first holding element is formed, in the second position of the actuating unit, preferable to engage behind a housing protrusion of a second contact housing of the further contact device. As a result, a simple fastening of the first contact unit to the second contact unit can be ensured. Furthermore, as a result, a particularly simple mounting of the contact device on the further contact device is achieved, since at the same time as the actuation of the contact spring by the actuating section, the first holding element can also engage behind the housing protrusion.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the actuating unit has a second holding element, the second holding element being arranged laterally at a second side of the actuating bracket arranged opposite the first side and being connected to the actuating bracket. Preferable the second holding element is formed, in the second position of the actuating unit, to engage behind a further housing protrusion of the second contact housing of the further contact device. As a result, a reliable fastening of the contact device to the further contact device is ensured. Furthermore, bending of the actuating bracket is avoided.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the first holding element has a latching nose at a free end, the latching nose having a latching surface on a side facing the actuating bracket. The latching surface is formed to hold the actuating bracket in the second position by adjoining the housing protrusion. As a result, unintentional release of the actuating bracket is avoided.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the first contact housing has a a first and a third holding element, the third holding element being formed in the shape of a hook. The first holding element and the third holding element are arranged on a common side of the contact device. The third holding element is formed to engage around the housing protrusion.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the third holding element is arranged between the first aperture and the fixed end of the actuating bracket.

[0016] In a further embodiment, preferable the actuating section is arranged between the swivel axis and the first holding element. The actuating section has a trapezoidal configuration. A long side of the actuating section is arranged at a fixed end of the actuating section. The actuating section is connected to the actuating bracket by the fixed end. A short side of the actuating section is arranged on the actuating surface. The actuating surface is arranged at a free end of the actuating section. This configuration has the advantage that the actuating section is particularly compact. Furthermore, wedging of the actuating section is avoided during swivelling of the actuating unit from the first position into the second position, and during penetration of the actuating section into the first aperture. As a result, reliable functioning of the contact device is ensured.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the contact spring has a first spring section and a second spring section which is connected to the first spring section. The first spring section and the second spring section each have an oppositely running curvature. The second spring section is formed in a convex manner with respect to the first spring section. In the second position, the actuating unit adjoins the first spring section on the upper side. In the second position, at least the second spring section engages through the first aperture, and is formed to adjoin the shielding contact of the further contact device on the lower side.
An improved contact system can be provided, whereby the contact system has a contact device and a further contact device, the contact device being formed as described above. The further contact device has at least one second contact housing and a shielding, the second contact housing having a second contact receptacle. The shielding is arranged in the second contact receptacle. The shielding has a shielding contact which is arranged on the outside of the contact housing, the contact device being fastened to the further contact device. In the first position, the contact spring is arranged at a distance from the shielding contact. In the second position, the actuating unit presses the contact spring onto the shielding contact and the contact spring forms an electrical contact with the shielding contact.

[0018] This configuration has the advantage that the shielding again receives an additional earthing connection additionally via the first contact device, such that the shielding can shield further electrical conductors particularly well against interference.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the shielding contact is formed in the shape of a plate, the second contact housing having an edge at the circumference of the shielding contact. The edge and the shielding contact delimit a receptacle. The first contact housing is arranged partially in the receptacle and adjoins the shielding contact with a bearing surface. The edge adjoins the first contact housing at the circumference. As a result, slipping of the contact device in relation to the further contact device is avoided reliably by the first contact housing coming to a stop on the edge.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the second contact housing has at least one laterally arranged housing protrusion, the first holding element engaging around the housing protrusion and fastening the contact device to the housing protrusion.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the second contact housing has a further housing protrusion, the housing protrusion and the further housing protrusion being formed in the shape of ribs and extending in a common plane. The housing protrusion and the further housing protrusion are formed running parallel. The housing protrusion and the further housing protrusion are arranged on opposite sides of the second contact housing. The third holding element engages around the housing protrusion and the second holding element engages around the further housing protrusion. As a result, a fastening of the contact device to the further contact device on both sides is ensured.

[0022] The invention will be explained in more detail below using figures. In the figures:

Fig. 1

shows a perspective depiction of a contact system;

Fig. 2

shows a top view of the contact system shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

shows a perspective depiction of a first contact housing of the contact system shown in Figure 2;

Fig. 4

shows a perspective depiction of a contact element of the contact system shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 5

shows a longitudinal section along a section plane A-A, shown in Fig. 2, through the contact element shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

shows a perspective depiction of a second contact device of the contact system shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 7

shows a further perspective depiction of the second contact device shown in Figure 6;

Fig. 8

shows a longitudinal section along a section plane B-B, shown in Fig. 1, through the contact system 10 shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 9

shows a longitudinal section through the contact system along the section plane A-A, shown in Fig. 2, through the contact system shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 10

shows a perspective depiction of the first contact housing, shown in Figure 3, viewed from below;

Fig. 11

shows a sectional view along the section plane A-A, shown in Fig. 2, through the contact system shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 12

shows a sectional view along a section plane D-D, shown in Fig. 11, through the contact system shown in Fig. 11; and

Fig. 13

shows a sectional view along a section plane C-C, shown in Fig. 11, through the contact system shown in Fig. 11.

[0023] In the figures below, reference is made to a coordinate system. The coordinate system is configured as a right-handed system, by way of example, and comprises an x-axis (longitudinal direction), a y-axis (transverse direction) and a z-axis (vertical direction).

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a perspective depiction of a contact system 10.

[0025] The contact system 10 has a first contact device 15 and a second contact device 20. The second contact device 20 is arranged on the lower side of the first contact device 15 in Fig. 1, by way of example. The contact system 10 serves to connect a first shielded cable 290 to a second shielded cable 295. The first shielded cable 290 and the second shielded cable 295 are depicted symbolically in Figure 1 by means of dashed lines. In this case, the second contact device 20 forms a coupler for connecting the first shielded cable 290 to the second shielded cable 295. A different configuration of the second contact device 20 is, of course, conceivable.

[0026] The first contact device 15 is connected, preferably in an interlocking manner, to the second contact device 20. The first contact device 15 is connected to an earthing line 25. The earthing line 25 can be connected to an electrical earth, e.g. to a body of a motor vehicle.

[0027] The first contact device 15 has a first contact housing 30, an actuating unit 35 and a contact element 40 covered in Fig. 1 by the first contact housing 30.

[0028] The earthing line 25 is guided into the first contact housing 30 and has a casing 47 and a first electrical conductor 46, with the first electrical conductor 46 being electrically connected to the electrical earth (not depicted). The casing 47 encases the first electrical conductor 46 at the circumference and electrically insulates the first electrical conductor 46 with respect to an environment 55 of the contact system 10.

[0029] The second contact device 20 has a shielding 250 which is covered in Fig. 1 and a second contact housing 50.

[0030] The second contact housing 50 has a rectangular basic shape, by way of example. The second contact housing 50 further has a first lateral surface 60. The first lateral surface 60 extends substantially in an xz-plane. The second contact housing 50 further has at least one first housing protrusion 65 on the first lateral surface 60. The first housing protrusion 65 is subsequently arranged in the z-direction at an upper side 260 of the second contact housing 50. The first housing protrusion 65 protrudes out over the first lateral surface 60 laterally in the transverse direction. The first housing protrusion 65 is formed in the shape of a rib. A second housing protrusion 70 can be arranged below the first housing protrusion 65, with the second housing protrusion 70 being formed identically to the first housing protrusion 65, by way of example. The second housing protrusion 70 runs parallel to the first housing protrusion 65. The first housing protrusion 65 and the second housing protrusion 70 delimit a housing receptacle 75 on the upper side and lower side. The housing receptacle 75 is delimited by the first lateral surface 60 in the transverse direction. The first lateral surface 60 is thus interrupted in the vertical direction by the second housing protrusion 70.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the contact system 10 shown in Fig. 1.

[0032] The second contact housing 50 has a second lateral surface 80 opposite the first lateral surface 60 in the y-direction, and a protrusion section 85 bordering the second lateral surface 80 in the longitudinal direction. The second lateral surface 80 is aligned parallel to the first lateral surface 60. The second contact housing 50 has, on the second lateral surface 80, a third housing protrusion 90 which is formed identically to the first housing protrusion 65 in the vertical direction and transverse direction. The third housing protrusion 90 also is formed in the shape of a rib. The first housing protrusion 65 and the third housing protrusion 90 extend in a common xy-plane. In the y-direction, the protrusion section 85 is formed wider than the third housing protrusion 90. The third housing protrusion 90 ends at the protrusion section 85 in the longitudinal direction.

[0033] The second contact housing 50 has on the upper side, by way of example, a circumferential edge 95. The edge 95 is arranged on the second contact housing 50 completely circumferentially on the upper side. The edge 95 can also be interrupted. The edge 95 is formed in a first partial section by the first housing protrusion 65. In the transverse direction in an opposing manner, the edge 95 is formed in a second partial section by the protrusion section 85 and the third housing protrusion 90. At a first end face 100, the second contact housing 50 has a first end section 105, which is formed in a plate-like manner and extends substantially in the transverse direction. At a second end face 110 opposite the first end face 100, the second contact housing 50 has a second end section 115 formed in a plate-like manner. The first end section 105 and the second end section 115 extend in the transverse direction over the entire width of the second contact housing 50. The first end section 105 and the second end section 115 form the edge 95 in the transverse direction in a third and fourth partial section.

[0034] On a side facing the first end face 100, the actuating unit 35 is connected to the first contact housing 30 by means of a hinge 135. The actuating unit 35 can be swivelled between a first position (unlocking position) and a second position (locking position) around a swivel axis 120. The swivel axis 120 runs parallel to the first end face 100 and extends parallel to the y-axis. The actuating unit 35 is depicted in the second position (locking position) in Fig. 2.

[0035] The actuating unit 35 has an actuating bracket 125 formed, by way of example, in the shape of a plate. The actuating bracket 125 is connected to the hinge 135 at a first fixed end 130, which is arranged on a side facing the first end face 100. The actuating unit 35, the hinge 135 and the first contact housing 30 are preferably produced as one piece and with uniform material, for example in an injection moulding, for example from a plastic.

[0036] The hinge 135 can be formed in the style of a film hinge, for example. The hinge 135 can also be formed, for example, as can be seen in Figure 3, as a thinned portion of material in the actuating bracket at the first fixed end 130. The thinned portion of material can also be omitted, if a material of the actuating bracket 125 can be deformed in an elastically reversible manner in the region of the hinge 135. In the second position, the actuating bracket 125 is folded onto the first contact housing 30.

[0037] The actuating unit 35 further has a first holding element 140, a second holding element 145 and a third holding element 150. The number of holding elements 140, 145, 150 is given by way of example. Of course, the number of holding elements 140, 145, 150 can also be larger or smaller with respect to the configuration of the contact system 10 shown in Fig. 2.

[0038] The first holding element 140 is arranged at a first side 155 of the actuating bracket 125. The first side 155 is arranged on a side of the actuating bracket 125 facing the first lateral surface 60. The second holding element 145 is arranged on a second side 160 opposite the first side 155 in the transverse direction. The first holding element 140 and the second holding element 145 are further arranged bordering a first free end 165 of the actuating bracket 125. The first holding element 140 and the second holding element 145 are connected to the actuating bracket 125. In this case, the first holding element 140 and the second holding element 145 are arranged in an overlapping manner in the longitudinal direction. In this case, an overlap in the longitudinal direction is understood to mean that, in the case of a projection in the y-direction into a projection plane, which is formed as an xz-plane, the two components, in the embodiment here the first holding element and the second holding element 140, 145, cover one another in the projection plane. In other words, the first holding element 140 and the second holding element 145 are arranged at the same height in the longitudinal direction.

[0039] The first contact device 15 further has a third holding element 150. The third holding element 150 is arranged laterally at the first contact housing 30 in the longitudinal direction on a side facing the first fixed end 130 and on a side facing the first side 155 in the transverse direction. The third holding element 150 is formed shorter than the first holding element 140 and the second holding element 145 in the longitudinal direction, by way of example. The third holding element 150 is further arranged at a distance from the first holding element 140 and the second holding element 145.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a perspective depiction of the first contact housing 30.

[0041] The first contact housing 30 has a first housing element 166. The first housing element 166 is formed substantially in the shape of a plate and extends substantially in the xy-direction. The first housing element 166 is connected to the first fixed end 130 of the actuating bracket 125 at a third end face 167. The actuating unit 35 is depicted in the first position (unlocking position) in Fig. 3, by way of example. In the first position, the actuating bracket 125 is arranged swivelled away from the first contact housing 30 and at a distance from the first contact housing 30.

[0042] The first contact housing 30 has a second housing element 195 on the upper side of the first housing element 166. The second housing element 195 is formed slimmer than the first housing element 166 in the transverse direction. The second housing element 195 has a substantially rectangular configuration. The first housing element 166 and the second housing element 195 are formed as one piece and with uniform material.

[0043] The first housing element 166 has a bearing surface 175 on a lower side 170. The bearing surface 175 is formed in a substantially planar manner and extends in an xy-plane. On the lower side 170, the first contact housing 30 can further have a first holding bar 180 and additionally a second holding bar 185. The first holding bar 180 and the second holding bar 185 are arranged at a distance from the third holding element 150. The holding bar 180, 185 protrudes out over the bearing surface 175 on the lower side. The holding bar 180, 185 is formed in a rectilinear manner and extends substantially in its main extension direction in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the holding bar 180, 185 ends on a fourth end face 190 of the first contact housing 30 facing the second end face 110.

[0044] Fig. 4 shows a perspective depiction of the contact element 40.

[0045] The contact element 40 is arranged in a first contact receptacle 345 (shown in Figure 9) and has a connecting section 200 and a contacting section 205 associated with the connecting section 200. The connecting section 200 is associated with an end region 210 of the first electrical conductor 46. For example, in the end region 210, the first electrical conductor 46 is not enclosed by the casing 47 on the outer side. The first electrical conductor 46 can be crimped to the connecting section 200, for example.

[0046] The contacting section 205 has a contact spring 215 and a contact enclosure 220. The contact spring 215 is connected to the contact enclosure 220 at a second fixed end 225. The contact enclosure 220 delimits a contact interior 221. The contact spring 215 is arranged in the interior 221. The contact enclosure 220 engages around the contact spring 215 laterally. In a third position, the contact spring 215 is electrically and mechanically connected to the contact enclosure 220.

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section along a section plane A-A, shown in Fig. 2, through the contact element 40 shown in Fig. 4.

[0048] The second fixed end 225 of the contact spring 215 is arranged on a side of the contact spring 215 facing the connecting section 200. The contact spring 215 can be swivelled between the third position (depicted by a solid line in Fig. 5) and a fourth position (depicted by means of a dashed line in Fig. 5) around a further swivel axis 230. The further swivel axis 230 runs parallel to the y-axis and parallel to the swivel axis 120. In the third position, the contact spring 215 is arranged inside the contact interior 221. In the fourth position, the contact spring 215 is swivelled downwards out of the contact interior 221.

[0049] The contact spring 215 has a substantially S-shaped configuration. The contact spring 215 has a first spring section 235 and a second spring section 240. The first spring section 235 borders the second spring section 240 in the longitudinal direction. The first spring section 235 and the second spring section 240 are furthermore connected to one another. The first spring section 235 is arranged on a side of the contact spring 215 facing the second fixed end 225. The second spring section 240 borders a second free end 245 of the contact spring 215. The first spring section 235 and the second spring section 240 have a curvature running opposite one another in each case. In this case, the first spring section 235 is curved downwards, such that a first centre of curvature is arranged below the first spring section 235. The second spring section 240 is curved upwards, with a second centre of curvature for the second spring section 240 being arranged above the second spring section 240. In this case, the second spring section 240 is formed in a convex manner with respect to the first spring section.

[0050] Fig. 6 shows a perspective depiction of the second contact device 20 in the partially mounted state.

[0051] The second contact housing 50 has a second contact receptacle 246. The shielding 250 is arranged in the second contact receptacle 246.

[0052] The shielding 250 has a substantially U-shaped configuration and is arranged in the second contact housing 50. The shielding 250 extends predominantly in the longitudinal direction over the entire longitudinal extent of the second contact housing 50. In this case, the shielding 250 extends over at least 80% of the entire longitudinal extent of the second contact housing 50. The shielding 250 has a shielding contact 255. The shielding contact 255 is formed by a plate-shaped configuration of a shielding section, which is arranged and accessible at an upper side 260 of the second contact device 20. The shielding contact 255 is formed in a substantially planar manner. The shielding contact 255 is surrounded by the edge 95 at the circumference. The shielding contact 255 is arranged in a downwardly offset manner with respect to an upper side 261 of the edge 95. The shielding contact 255, together with the edge 95, delimits a receptacle 265. The receptacle 265 is open in the upward direction, insofar as the first contact device 15 is not fastened to the second contact device 20.

[0053] The second contact device 20 has a first recess 270 between the first housing protrusion 65 and the shielding 250, and, in the transverse direction in an opposing manner, has a second recess 275 between the shielding 250 and the third housing protrusion 90.

[0054] The second contact housing 50 has a first contact device receptacle 280. The first contact device receptacle 280 opens out at the first end face 100.

[0055] Fig. 7 shows a further perspective depiction of the second contact device 20.

[0056] The second contact housing 50 has a second contact device receptacle 285. The second contact device receptacle 285 is connected to the first contact device receptacle 280 on the inside in the second contact housing 50. The second contact device receptacle 285 opens out at the second end face 110. The first recess 270 and the second recess 275 are arranged on a side facing the second end face 110 and extend approximately over half the longitudinal extent of the second contact housing 50.

[0057] Fig. 8 shows a longitudinal section along a section plane B-B, shown in Fig. 1, through the contact system 10 shown in Fig. 2.

[0058] The first cable 290 has a first cable shield 300. The first cable shield 300 encloses one or more second electrical conductors 305 of the first cable 290 at the circumference. The first cable shield 300 is contacted by the shielding 250 of the second contact housing 50 and shields the second electrical conductor 305 from the environment 55.

[0059] The second cable 295 is likewise formed as a shielded cable and has a second cable shield 310. The second cable shield 310 shields one or more third electrical conductors 315 of the second cable 295 from the environment 55. The second cable shield 310 is contacted by the shielding 250. Thus, the shielding 250 electrically connects the first cable shield 300 to the second cable shield 310.

[0060] The first cable 290 further has a third contact device 320 and the second cable 295 has a fourth contact device 325. Furthermore, the second contact device 20 has a connection unit 326. The connection unit 326 is arranged both in the first contact device receptacle 280 and in the second contact device receptacle 285.

[0061] The third contact device 320 engages in the first contact device receptacle 280. The fourth contact device 325 engages in the second contact device receptacle 285. In this case, the third contact device 320 and the fourth contact device 325 can be formed to be geometrically different from one another, and can be formed in such a way that the third contact device 320 cannot be plugged or contacted directly into the fourth contact device 325. The connection unit 326 undertakes the electrical connection between the third contact device 320 and the fourth contact device 325. In this case, the connection unit 326 contacts the third contact device 320 on one side and the fourth contact device 325 on the other side, and thus serves as a coupler between the third contact device 320 and the fourth contact device 325. The first shielded cable 290 can be connected, at the other side in relation to the second contact device 20, to a further electrical component, for example a first control apparatus (not depicted). The second electrical cable 295 can be connected, at a side facing away from the second contact device 20, to a further electrical component, for example a further control apparatus.

[0062] Fig. 9 shows a longitudinal section through the contact system 10 along the section plane A-A, shown in Fig. 2, through the contact system 10 shown in Fig. 2.

[0063] The actuating unit 35 is depicted in the first position in Fig. 9. In this case, the actuating unit 35 is swivelled away and the first and second holding elements 140, 145 are arranged at a distance from the second contact housing 50.

[0064] The first contact housing 30 has the first contact receptacle 345. The first contact receptacle 345 opens out at the fourth end face 190. The contact element 40 and a section of the earthing line 25, in particular the end region 210, are arranged in the first contact receptacle 345.

[0065] The first contact receptacle 345 extends substantially in the longitudinal direction and runs parallel to the x-axis. The contact receptacle 345 is delimited on the lower side by the first housing element 166. The contact receptacle 345 is delimited laterally and on the upper side by the second housing element 195. Additionally, the first contact device 15 can have a fastening means 350, with the fastening means 350 fastening the contact element 40 in an interlocking manner in the first contact receptacle 345 and preventing the contact element 40 from being pulled out of the first contact receptacle 345, in particular in the x-direction.

[0066] In the first position of the actuating unit 35, the contact spring 215 is arranged substantially in the first contact receptacle 345. The first contact housing 30 further has a first aperture 360 and a second aperture 365. The first aperture 360 is arranged in the first housing element 166. The first aperture 360 is formed as a through-hole and is arranged in an offset manner in relation to the third end face 167 and to the fourth end face 190. In this case, a distance from the first aperture 360 in the x-direction to the third end face 167 is smaller than to the fourth end face 190. The first aperture 360 connects the bearing surface 175 to the first contact receptacle 345. In this case, the first aperture 360 is arranged running in an inclined manner, preferably perpendicular, in relation to the contact receptacle 345.

[0067] The second aperture 365 is arranged in the vertical direction opposite the first aperture 360. The second aperture 365 is likewise arranged in an inclined manner, preferably perpendicular, in relation to the first contact receptacle 345. The second aperture 365 opens out at an upper side 355 of the first contact housing 30. The second aperture 365 is formed slimmer than the first aperture 360 in the x-direction.

[0068] The actuating unit 35 has an actuating section 370. The actuating section 370 has a trapezoidal configuration in longitudinal section. The actuating section 370 is connected to the actuating bracket 125 by a third fixed end 375. The actuating section 370 is further arranged in a central location on the actuating bracket 125 in the transverse direction. The actuating section 370 is arranged between the swivel axis 120 and the first and second holding elements 140, 145. A long side 380 of the actuating section 370 is arranged at the third fixed end 375 of the actuating section 370. An actuating surface 390 is arranged at a short side 385 of the actuating section 370, which is arranged at a third free end 394 of the actuating section 370. The actuating surface 390 is formed in a planar manner and runs substantially parallel to the actuating bracket 125.

[0069] In the first position, the actuating surface 390 is arranged at a distance from the contact spring 215, in particular from the first spring section 235. As a result, the contact spring 215 is situated in the third position, in which the contact spring 215 is arranged at a distance from the shielding contact 255.

[0070] In addition, the actuating unit 35 can have at least one closure element 395, with the closure element 395 being arranged on the actuating bracket 125 in a laterally offset manner in relation to the actuating section 370. The closure element 395 is formed in a corresponding manner to the second aperture 365. Preferably there are provided, on both sides in the transverse direction in an opposing manner, two closure elements 395 which are formed identically to one another. The closure elements 395 have a trapezoidal configuration in a lateral view.

[0071] Fig. 10 shows a perspective depiction of the first contact housing 30 viewed from below.

[0072] The first aperture 360 is formed in the shape of a slot and has a stepped portion in the transverse direction. Of course, the stepped portion can also be omitted. The third holding element 150 is arranged in the longitudinal direction between the first aperture 360 and the first fixed end 130 of the actuating bracket 125.

[0073] The third holding element 150 is further formed in the shape of a hook, U-shaped in the embodiment, by way of example.

[0074] Fig. 11 shows a sectional view along the section plane A-A, shown in Fig. 2, through the contact system 10 shown in Fig. 2.

[0075] The actuating unit 35 is situated in the second position in Fig. 11. In this case, the actuating section 370 engages through the second aperture 365 and adjoins the first spring section 235 on the upper side with the actuating surface 390. The actuating section 370 presses the contact spring 215 out of the third position into the fourth position. In the fourth position, the lower side of the second spring section 240 adjoins the upper side of the shielding contact 255 and electrically contacts the shielding contact 255. As a result, an electrical connection is provided between the shielding 250 and the first electrical conductor 46 of the earthing line 25 via the contact spring 215. This configuration has the advantage that, as a result, in the case of a large distance of the two control apparatuses from one another, an additional earthing contact is provided at the coupler (second contact device 20) between the first cable 290 and the second cable 295, so that a particularly good shielding and a particularly good earth contact are ensured.

[0076] In the mounted state, the first housing element 166 further engages in the receptacle 265 and adjoins the shielding contact 255 on the upper side with the bearing surface 175.

[0077] The bearing surface 175 is in contact with the shield contact 255. The edge 95 engages around the first housing element 166 at the circumference and adjoins the first housing element 166 at the circumference. As a result, the edge 95 positions the first housing element 166 in the longitudinal direction and transverse direction and prevents the first contact housing 30 from slipping in relation to the second contact housing 50.

[0078] Fig. 12 shows a sectional view along a section plane D-D, shown in Fig. 11, through the contact system 10 shown in Fig. 11.

[0079] The first holding element 140 has a first latching nose 400 at a fourth free end 396. The first latching nose 400 has a first latching surface 405 on a side facing the actuating bracket 125. The second holding element 145 has a second latching nose 415 at a fifth free end 410. The second latching nose 415 has a second latching surface 420 on a side facing the actuating bracket 125. The first latching surface 405 and the second latching surface 420 are arranged in a common xy-plane.

[0080] In the second position, the first latching nose 400 engages behind the first housing protrusion 65 and engages in the housing receptacle 75. In this case, the first latching surface 405 adjoins the first housing protrusion 65 on the lower side and fastens and also holds the actuating unit 35 in the second position.

[0081] In the transverse direction in an opposing manner, the second holding element 145 likewise secures the position of the actuating unit 35. In this case, the second latching nose 415 engages behind the third housing protrusion 90 and adjoins the third housing protrusion 90 on the lower side with the second latching surface 420. As a result, a tilting of the actuating unit 35, in particular of the actuating bracket 125, is avoided.

[0082] The first holding bar 180 further engages in the first recess 270 and the second holding bar 185 engages in the second recess 275. By the corresponding configuration of the first holding bar 180 in relation to the first recess 270 and the corresponding configuration of the second holding bar 185 in relation to the second recess 275, in addition the first contact housing 30 is fastened to the second contact device 20 in the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction.

[0083] Fig. 13 shows a sectional view along a section plane C-C, shown in Fig. 11, through the contact system 10 shown in Fig. 11.

[0084] In the mounted state of the first contact device 15 on the second contact device 20, the third holding element 150 engages the first housing protrusion 65 on the outside. Bordering a sixth free end 425 of the third holding element 150, the third holding element 150 has a bearing surface 430 on a side facing the first housing element 166. The bearing surface 430 is formed in a planar manner and adjoins the first housing protrusion 65 on the lower side. In this case, the third holding element 150 engages in the housing receptacle 75 with the sixth free end 425.

[0085] The configuration of the contact system 10 described in Figures 1 to 13 has the advantage that, in the case of long cables 290, 295 between the electrical components, in particular between two control apparatuses, an additional earthing can take place via the first contact device 15. As a result, a reliable shielding of the second and third electrical conductors 305, 315 is guaranteed. In this case, the first contact device 15 can be fastened to the second contact device 20 in a particularly simple manner by way of the actuating unit 35. In this regard, in particular a subsequent fastening of the first contact device 15 to the second contact device 20 is also possible.

[0086] By way of the three holding elements 140, 145, 150, a particularly good seating of the first contact device 15 on the second contact device 20 can be ensured. Furthermore, as a result of the actuation of the contact spring 215 in the second position by the actuating section 370, it is ensured that, insofar as the first contact device 15 is not fastened to the second contact device 20, the contact spring 215 is arranged in the contact enclosure 220. In this case, the contact spring 215 is also situated substantially in the first contact receptacle 345, so that the contact spring 215 is protected from damage. An unintentional contact of the contact spring 215 during the mounting of the first contact device 15 on the second contact device 20 is also avoided, until such time as the actuating unit 35 is swivelled fully from the first position into the second position. At the same time as the contacting, a reliable fastening of the first contact housing 30 to the second contact housing 50 by the actuating unit 35 is then also ensured, so that the mounting of the first contact device 15 on the second contact device 20 can take place particularly quickly and simply. Furthermore, the closure element 395 closes the second aperture 365 laterally, so that ingress of dirt into the second aperture 365 is avoided.

[0087] Incorrect mounting, in particular by the engagement of the holding bar 180, 185 in the respectively associated recess 270, 275, is further avoided. In this case, the holding bar 180, 185 and the recess 270, 275 undertake an encoding function.

List of reference symbols

[0088] 

10

contact system

15

first contact device

20

second contact device

25

earthing line

30

first contact housing

35

actuating unit

40

contact element

46

first electrical conductor

47

casing

50

second contact housing

55

environment

60

first lateral surface

65

first housing protrusion

70

second housing protrusion

75

housing receptacle

80

second lateral surface

85

protrusion section

90

third housing protrusion

95

edge

100

first end face

105

first end section

110

second end face

115

second end section

120

swivel axis

125

actuating bracket

130

first fixed end (of the actuating bracket)

135

hinge

140

first holding element

145

second holding element

150

third holding element

155

first side

160

second side

165

first free end (of the actuating bracket)

166

first housing element

167

third end face

170

lower side

175

bearing surface

180

first holding bar

185

second holding bar

190

fourth end face

195

second housing element

200

connecting section

205

contacting section

210

end region

215

contact spring

220

contact enclosure

221

contact interior

225

second fixed end (of the contact spring)

230

further swivel axis

235

first spring section

240

second spring section

245

second free end (of the contact spring)

246

second contact receptacle

250

shielding

255

shielding contact

260

upper side (of the second contact housing)

261

upper side (of the edge)

265

receptacle

270

first recess

275

second recess

280

first contact device receptacle

285

second contact device receptacle

290

first cable

295

second cable

300

first cable shield

305

second electrical conductor

310

second cable shield

315

third electrical conductor

320

third contact device

325

fourth contact device

326

connection unit

345

first contact receptacle

350

fastening means

355

upper side (of the first contact housing)

360

first aperture

365

second aperture

370

actuating section

375

third fixed end

380

long side

385

short side

390

actuating surface

394

third free end

395

closure element

396

fourth free end

400

first latching nose

405

first latching surface

410

fifth free end

415

second latching nose

420

second latching surface

425

sixth free end

430

adjoining surface

Claims

1. A contact device (15) for fastening to a further contact device (20) of a contact system (10),

- having a first contact housing (30), an actuating unit (35) and a contact element (40),

- wherein the contact element (40) can be electrically connected to an earthing line (25),

- wherein the first contact housing (30) has a first contact receptacle (345) and is connected to the actuating unit (35),

- wherein the contact element (40) is arranged in the first contact receptacle (345),

- wherein the contact element (40) has at least one contact spring (215),

- wherein the actuating unit (35) can be swivelled between a first position and a second position which is different from the first position,

- wherein, in the first position, the contact spring (215) is arranged in the first contact receptacle (345),

- wherein, in the second position, the actuating unit (35) adjoins the contact spring (215),

- wherein the contact spring (215) is swivelled in the second position at least partially out of the first contact receptacle.

2. The contact device (15) according to Claim 1,

- wherein the first contact housing (30) has a bearing surface (175) on a lower side (170),

- wherein the first contact housing (30) has a first aperture (360),

- wherein the first aperture (360) connects the first contact receptacle (345) to the bearing surface (175),

- wherein in the second position, the contact spring (215) engages through the first aperture (360).

3. The contact device (15) according to Claim 1 or 2,

- wherein the first contact housing (30) has a second aperture (365),

- wherein the second aperture (365) is arranged in an inclined manner in relation to the first contact receptacle (345) of the first contact housing (30),

- wherein, on one side, the second aperture (365) opens out at an upper side (355) of the first contact housing (30) and, on another side, it opens out at the first contact receptacle (345),

- wherein, in the second position, the actuating unit (35) closes the second aperture (365) at least partially.

4. The contact device (15) according to Claim 3,

- wherein the actuating unit (35) has an actuating section (370),

- wherein the actuating section (370), in the second position, passes through the second aperture (365) and, with an actuating surface (390) arranged at a free end (394) of the actuating section (370), presses the contact spring (215) into the first aperture (360).

5. The contact device (15) according to any one of the preceding claims,

- wherein the actuating unit (35) has an actuating bracket (125),

- wherein the actuating bracket (125) is connected, at a fixed end (130), to the first contact housing (30) in an articulated manner around a swivel axis (120),

- wherein the actuating bracket (125) can be swivelled between the first position and the second position around the swivel axis (120),

- wherein, in the first position, the actuating bracket (125) is arranged at a distance from the first contact housing (30),

- wherein, in the second position, the actuating bracket (125) is folded onto the first contact housing (30).

6. The contact device (15) according to Claim 5,

- wherein the actuating unit (35) has at least one first holding element (140),

- wherein the first holding element (140) is arranged laterally at a first side (155) on the actuating bracket (125) and is connected to the actuating bracket (125),

- wherein preferable the first holding element (140) is formed, in the second position of the actuating unit (35), to engage behind a housing protrusion (65) of a second contact housing (50) of the further contact device (20).

7. The contact device (15) according to Claim 6,

- wherein the actuating unit (35) has a second holding element (145),

- wherein the second holding element (145) is arranged laterally at a second side (160) on the actuating bracket (125) arranged opposite the first side (155) and is connected to the actuating bracket (125),

- wherein preferable the second holding element (145) is formed, in the second position of the actuating unit (35), to engage behind a further housing protrusion (90) of the second contact housing (50) of the further contact device (20).

8. The contact device (15) according to Claim 6 or 7,

- wherein the first holding element (140) has a latching nose (400) at a free end (410),

- wherein the latching nose (400) has a latching surface (405) on a side facing the actuating bracket (125),

- wherein the latching surface (405) is formed to hold the actuating bracket (125) in the second position by adjoining the housing protrusion (65).

9. The contact device (15) according to any one of the preceding claims,

- wherein the first contact housing (30) comprises a first holding element (140) and third holding element (150),

- wherein the third holding element (150) is formed in the shape of a hook,

- wherein the first holding element (140) and the third holding element (150) are arranged on a common side of the contact device (15),

- wherein the third holding element (140) is formed to engage around the housing protrusion (65).

10. The contact device (15) according to Claim 9,

- wherein the third holding element (150) is arranged between the first aperture (360) and the fixed end (130) of the actuating bracket (125).

11. The contact device (15) according to any one of Claims 5 to 10,

- wherein preferable the actuating section (370) is arranged between the swivel axis (120) and the first holding element (140),

- wherein the actuating section (370) has a trapezoidal configuration,

- wherein a long side (380) of the actuating section (370) is arranged at a fixed end (375) of the actuating section (370),

- wherein the actuating section (370) is connected to the actuating bracket (125) by the fixed end (375),

- wherein a short side (385) of the actuating section (370) is arranged on the actuating surface (390),

- wherein the actuating surface (390) is arranged at a free end of the actuating section (370).

12. The contact device (15) according to any one of the preceding claims,

- wherein the contact spring (215) comprises a first spring section (235) and a second spring section (240) which is connected to the first spring section (235),

- wherein the first spring section (235) and the second spring section (240) each have an oppositely running curvature,

- wherein the second spring section (240) is formed in a convex manner with respect to the first spring section (235),

- wherein, in the second position, the actuating unit (35) adjoins the first spring section (235) on the upper side,

- wherein, in the second position, at least the second spring section (240) engages through the first aperture (360), and is formed to adjoin preferable a shielding contact (255) of the further contact device on the lower side.

13. A contact system (10),

- having a contact device (15) and a further contact device (20),

- wherein the contact device (15) is formed according to any one of the preceding claims,

- wherein the further contact device (20) has at least one second contact housing (50) and a shielding (250),

- wherein the second contact housing (50) has a second contact receptacle (246),

- wherein the shielding (250) is arranged in the second contact receptacle (246),

- wherein the shielding (250) has a shielding contact (255) which is arranged on the outside of the second contact housing (50),

- wherein the contact device (15) is fastened to the further contact device (20),

- wherein, in the first position, the contact spring (215) is arranged at a distance from the shielding contact (255),

- wherein, in the second position, the actuating unit (35) presses the contact spring (215) onto the shielding contact (255) and the contact spring (215) forms an electrical contact with the shielding contact (255).

14. The contact system (10) according to Claim 13,

- wherein the shielding contact (255) is formed at least partially in the shape of a plate,

- wherein the second contact housing (50) has an edge (95) at the circumference of the shielding contact (255),

- wherein the edge (95) and the shielding contact (255) delimit a receptacle (265),

- wherein the first contact housing is arranged partially in the receptacle (265) and adjoins the shielding contact (255) with the bearing surface (175),

- wherein the edge (95) adjoins the first contact housing (30) at the circumference.

15. The contact system (10) according to Claim 13 or 14,

- wherein the second contact housing (50) has at least one lateral housing protrusion (65),

- wherein the first holding element (140) engages behind the housing protrusion (65) and fastens the contact device (15) to the housing protrusion (65) and/or
wherein the second contact housing (50) has a further housing protrusion (90),

- wherein the housing protrusion (65) and the further housing protrusion (90) are formed in the shape of ribs and preferably extend in a common plane,

- wherein the housing protrusion (65) and the further housing protrusion (90) are formed running parallel,

- wherein the housing protrusion (65) and the further housing protrusion (90) are arranged on opposite sides of the second contact housing (50),

- wherein the third holding element (150) engages around the housing protrusion (65) and the second holding element (145) engages around the further housing protrusion (90).

Drawing